UN Chief Guterres’ Recommendations for Afghanistan’s Future
TOLO News | 14th November
The UN Secretary-General in his independent assessment of the situation of Afghanistan said that needs of Afghans should be addressed, and a roadmap should be created to facilitate engagement between the international community and Afghanistan.
The second part of the assessment recommends:
“Building Confidence by Addressing the Immediate Needs of Afghans, continuing cooperation on key security, regional and political Issues, A roadmap for reintegration of the state of Afghanistan into the international system, mechanisms to support engagement.”
Communist Party of China bolsters ties with political parties in Sri Lanka
Daily Mirror | 15th November
In conjunction of the tenth anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the Communist Party of China (CPC) enhanced its engagement with political parties, including those in Sri Lanka, in pursuit of further success of the project in the next decade.
The CPC concluded its BRI Dialogue with the representatives of political parties from South Asia and Southeast Asia in Kunming on November 10, the capital of China’s Yunnan Province considered the
gateway to connectivity to these regions.
Pakistan eyes 2nd tranche as policy-level talks with IMF start
The Nation | 14th November
Crucial policy-level talks between Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) started on Monday as Islamabad is looking for the second tranche worth of $710 million under the $3 billion standby loan
programme.
The technical talks between the two sides had started from November 2 in Islamabad that involved an exchange of the latest data, first quarter (July to September) data and queries and clarifications on all
macroeconomic areas. The policy level talks, which were started on Monday, are expected to complete within the current week.
PAKISTAN
Pakistan signed contracts with two
US companies for arms sales to Ukraine, claims BBC report
Dawn | 14th November
BBC Urdu, in an
extensive report published on
Tuesday, claimed that Pakistan entered into a $364 million arms sales agreement
with two private US companies last year. These weapons were allegedly sent to
Ukraine for its war with Russia.
The Russia-Ukraine crisis began last year when Russian
President Vladimir Putin ordered the latter’s invasion on February 24.
The Foreign Office has denied any sale of arms and ammunition to
Ukraine, saying that Pakistan maintained a policy of “strict neutrality” in the dispute
between the two countries and did not provide them with any arms or ammunition
in that context.
Chinese envoy advocates ‘CPEC 2.0’
The Express Tribune | 14th November
China’s envoy to Pakistan, Jiang Zaidong, on Monday
emphasised the consolidation of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and
again offered cooperation in the agriculture and mining sectors, aiming to
alleviate Islamabad’s financial woes.
Zaidong articulated his country’s vision for the next decade
under CPEC. This vision focuses more on the 21st century’s economy rather than
the brick-and-mortar model cherished by Islamabad. The ambassador spoke moments
before the introspective speech by Chinese scholar Viktor Gao, who urged
Islamabad not to perceive CPEC only through the lens of infrastructure and
energy projects.
35% premature deaths in Pakistan
linked to ‘diabetes’
The News | 14th November
As Pakistan witnesses a significant surge in diabetes
patients, it has been revealed that the disease is in fact linked to a
significant number of premature deaths in the country.
The worrisome revelation was made during a seminar
organised by the Institute of Public Health (IPH) on World Diabetes Day with
the experts highlighting the risks of diabetes attributing it to diseases such
as high blood pressure, heart disease, renal failure, and blindness.
SRI LANKA
Sri Lanka – Sweden political
consultations focus on strengthening bilateral relations
Colombo Page | 13th November
Sri Lanka and Sweden convened the first round of bilateral
political consultations virtually at senior official level on 09 November 2023.
The consultations took place on the eve of the 75th
anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two
countries which will be celebrated in 2024.
The consultations focused on consolidating existing
multifaceted partnership and identifying new avenues for increased
cooperation.
An economic growth of 1.8% is
expected in 2024 – State Minister of Finance
The Island | 14th November
State Minister of Finance, Shehan Semasinghe at a Press
Briefing held at the Presidential Media Centre (PMC) today (14), under the
theme ‘Collective path to a stable country’ said that the
anticipated economic growth for the year 2024 is projected at 1.8% and
underscored the government’s paramount commitment to fostering a robust economy
during this period.
AFGHANISTAN
Congress to Review Biden’s
Afghanistan Policy
The Khaama Press | 14th November
The Foreign Affairs Committee of the United States House of
Representatives is thoroughly examining President Biden’s policies regarding
Afghanistan.
On Tuesday evening, the Foreign Affairs Committee of the
United States House of Representatives announced its intention to hold a
hearing session to examine the Biden administration’s policy towards
Afghanistan since the withdrawal of U.S. forces from the country.
Russia sends 40 metric tons of aid
to quick-hit Afghanistan
Afghanistan Times | 11th November
Russia has dispatched 40 metric tons of humanitarian aid to
Afghanistan in response to the recent seismic upheaval in Herat, according to
an announcement by the Russian Foreign Ministry. The Russian Defense Ministry
orchestrated the delivery via two specialized flights aimed at aiding the
affected population.
The Russian Foreign Ministry’s statement, released on their
official website, highlighted the delivery of this substantial cargo to Kabul
on November 11.
BANGLADESH
CEC to announce polls schedule
while addressing the nation in evening
Prothom Alo | 15th November
Chief election commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal will
announce the schedule of the next general election while addressing the nation
this evening.
Election commission secretary Jahangir Alam made the
disclosure to the journalists at a briefing this morning.
He said the EC will hold a meeting at 5:00 pm before the
announcement of the schedule.
Security has been beefed up around the EC office, Nirbachan
Bhaban, at the city’s Agargaon. Vehicular movement has been restricted in some
roads in the area.
People-to-people connectivity vital
for bilateral trade: FBCCI
Bangladesh Post | 14th November
The connectivity between people-to-people is essential for
bilateral trade as it is still playing a significant role in facilitating trade
and commerce between nations.
FBCCI President Mahbubul Alam made the remarks during a
meeting with the visiting delegation from the Foreign Service Academy at FBCCI
Icon in the capital’s Motijheel on Monday.
The Foreign Service Academy delegation, led by Rector
Mashfee Binte Shams, made the visit as part of their 29th diplomatic training
course for foreign affairs officers and a special program for diplomats from
ASEAN member countries, said a press release.
UN experts sound alarm on political
violence, media freedom in Bangladesh
Dhaka Tribune | 15th November
UN experts have expressed concerns about a severe crackdown
against workers demanding fair wages and political activists calling for a free
and fair election, judicial harassment of journalists, human rights defenders
and civil society leaders, and failure to reform laws suppressing freedom of
expression in Bangladesh.
“As Bangladesh heads towards national elections in early
2024, we are deeply disturbed by the sharp rise in political violence, arrests
of senior opposition leaders, mass arbitrary detention of thousands of
political activists, use of excessive force by the authorities and internet
shutdowns to disrupt protests, and allegations of harassment, intimidation and
unlawful detention of family members as a retaliatory measure,” the experts
said in a statement on Tuesday, as the Human Rights Council completed its
periodic review of the human rights situation in the country.
BHUTAN
Climate adaptation, mitigation to cost
Bhutan billions
Kuensel | 14th November
Urgent innovative and multi-sectoral actions are needed to
adapt to and mitigate the threats from the crises of climate change,
biodiversity loss and pollution in Bhutan. The country requires USD 0.385
billion for adaptation and USD 0.6 billion for mitigation initiatives in the
short-term, according to the Nationally Determined Contribution (NCD) report.
Bhutan has been accessing funds for climate financing
projects from several areas. However, the process of accessing the finance is
cumbersome.
His Majesty King Jigme Khesar
Namgyel Wangchuck’s Official Journey in India
Daily Bhutan | 9th November
During the visit, His Majesty met many senior officials
including Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
India and Bhutan share exceptional bonds of friendship and
collaboration marked by a profound understanding and mutual confidence. This
visit offers a chance for both nations to assess their comprehensive
cooperation and strengthen their outstanding bilateral partnership, spanning
various fields.
MALDIVES
Maldives foreign policy to protect, uphold peace as top
priority: Pres Solih
The Edition | 15th November
President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, on Monday, said that over
the last five years, the foreign policy of the country was focused on
protecting and upholding Maldives’ peace as the top priority.
He made these remarks while speaking at the ceremony held at
the President’s Office on Monday morning, November 13, to confer the Most
Distinguished Foreign Service medal to two long-serving individuals.
Budget presented despite obstructions from Democrats MPs
Sun | 14th November
Finance Minister Ibrahim Ameer presented the budget in
Parliament today as members of Parliament belonging to The Democrats tried to
obstruct him.
Next year’s budget and supplementary budget for this year
were on the agenda for today’s sitting.
Earlier, the no-confidence motion was tabled against
Nasheed. The minister did not attend the session to present the budget on the advice
of the Attorney General.
Therefore, the Democrats said the minister was present in
Parliament today after violating the privileges of the entire Parliament.
Tourist arrival figure of the year reaches 1.6 million
Raajje | 12th November
The Maldives has welcomed 1,561,197 tourists by 08 November
2023.
This was disclosed by the Ministry of Tourism via their
latest tourism updates statistics publicized on 09 November 2023.
Statistics shows that this is a 12.8 percent increase
compared to the 1,383,591 welcomed into the Maldives by 08 November 2022.
In 2021, Maldives welcomed 1,051,593 tourists, between 01
January to 08 November.
MYANMAR
China Signs Solar Power Deal with
Myanmar Junta
The Irrawaddy | 10th November
China signed power-purchase agreements with Myanmar’s regime
on Tuesday in Naypyitaw, according to the Chinese Embassy.
The signing ceremony, attended by Chinese ambassador Chen
Hai and the junta’s electricity minister, Nyan Tun, agreed the purchase of
electricity from three solar projects jointly implemented by Power China
Resources Ltd and Myanmar’s electricity ministry.
Myanmar Now | 14th November
Hundreds of advocacy organisations urged more severe
restrictions on the Myanmar regime and its associates this month and denounced
Western governments’ alleged attempts to engage with junta officials.
In an open letter dated
November 2 —addressed to Australian minister of foreign affairs Penny Wong—the
Australian-based Myanmar Campaign Network (MCN) and more than 400 other civil
society organisations requested that the government expand its sanctions list
to target more entities and individuals associated with and enriching the
Myanmar junta.
NEPAL
Earthquake survivors in desperate
need of emergency assistance
The Himalayan Times | 9th November
It has been many weeks since Hira BK of Aathbiskot in Rukum
West visited her maternal home. Managing time for her brothers and their
children became challenging amid her household chores, leaving her overwhelmed
with longing to see them.
Finally, on November 3, she found the time to visit her
siblings. Upon arrival, Hira was warmly greeted and received with hospitality
by her brothers. Delicacies were offered, and they spent quality time catching
up.
Government to provide Rs50,000 per
family to construct temporary shelters
The Kathmandu Post | 11th November
The government has decided to provide Rs50,000 per family to
survivors rendered homeless by the Jajarkot earthquake to construct temporary
shelters.
A disaster management committee meeting chaired by Deputy
Prime Minister and Home Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha on Friday decided to
provide the amount to the affected families for the purchase of materials
including corrugated zinc sheets for temporary shelters.
Finance Minister Prakash Sharan Mahat, Urban Development
Minister Sita Gurung and heads of disaster management and security agencies
also attended the meeting.
Nepal’s foreign reserve goes up as
country sees record remittance inflow
Onlinekhabar | 10th November
Nepal experienced a record inflow of remittances in
the last month.
According to Nepal Rastra Bank, Nepal
received remittances amounting to Rs 136.97 billion in the last month. This
marks the highest monthly remittance ever recorded in Nepal.
This has brought the total remittance inflow for the current
fiscal year to Rs 365 billion.
The influx in remittance has also improved Nepal’s foreign
reserve by 6.7 per cent over the past three months. NRB says Nepal’s foreign
reserve currently stands at Rs 1.643 trillion.
